LAHORE: Pakistan’s provisional Test squad for the West Indies and England tours has been released, with the selectors expected to announce the final 17-man squad within the next few days.

According to sources, the initial list includes a mix of experienced campaigners and budding domestic players as Pakistan prepares for an important overseas Test season.

Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Awais Zafar, captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Ghazi Ghori, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan are likely to bat.

Possible bowling and all-round options are Ali Usman, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali, Amir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Ubaid Shah and Khurram Shehzad.

Sources said Rizwan and South had undergone fitness assessments recently after dealing with injury concerns. Both players are said to have made an encouraging comeback during the initial trials, but their places in the final squad depend on them reaching full match fitness.

If any player fails to recover in time, substitutes may be added to the touring party. Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Naseer has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Rizwan if he declines the vice-captaincy.

Pakistan is expected to leave for the West Indies on July 13, where they will play a four-day practice match from July 18.

The two-Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago, with the first Test scheduled from July 25-29 and the second from August 2-6.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan travel to England for a three-Test series.

The opening Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from August 19, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 27 and the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham from September 9.

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